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EDIBLES - PUB PERFECT

By Alexandra Bates

The Royal Coachman is a popular spot, and for good reason. It’s a true pub, full of dark wood and brass and patterned carpets. When my guest and I visited on a recent Thursday night, most of the numerous tables were already taken. The large, private patio was also jammed with people. As is usually the case these days, it looked like rain, so we decided to grab a table indoors.
We were seated almost immediately and given a couple of menus. We ordered drinks as we looked over the menu, a half pint of Strongbow for me ($3.48) and a large Kilkenny for my guest ($6.05). To start off we ordered the Quesadillas ($8.95). Strips of grilled chicken breast, cheese, peppers, tomatoes and onions were sandwiched between two grilled flour tortillas. The grilling meant this starter wasn’t too greasy, and the fillings were plentiful, especially the chicken. Lots of sour cream and salsa were provided for dipping.
My dad swears by the fish and chips at the Coachman, and likes them so much he drives all the way from Mississauga to get them. I wasn’t really in the mood, though, so for my entrée, I decided on the Bangers and Mash ($8.95). The main was huge for the price, with three larger sausages, a big scoop of baked beans, real mashed potatoes with the lumps left in, and a helping of mixed veg. I ordered mushy peas on the side ($1.95) which weren’t necessary in terms of food quantity, but I can’t pass them up if they’re on the menu. They were proper marrowfat peas, boiled to within an inch of their florescent green lives; in other words, just as they should be.
My guest had one of the Thursday night rib specials, ribs and chicken ($16.99). A big platter arrived with a full rack of ribs and a whole grilled chicken breast. The ribs were really good: incredibly tender, and cooked in a smoky barbeque sauce. The chicken, by comparison, was very disappointing: it was dry and overcooked. A big helping of fresh–cut fries rounded out the plate, and they were truly amazing. I got dirty looks because I kept stealing them when my guest “wasn’t looking.” There was also a small container of vinaigrette dressed coleslaw.

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